[mwavesdave]

Well, there were a couple of groups in the museum most of the day, so we were really limited on work we could do. So, we took out the lexan, and started cutting and fitting all the windows. Side windows are over 1/8th in thick, so cut those with the jigsaw, but the three top panes we used much thinner material, several scores with a utility knife, then snap. Was a pleasant break from breathing sawdust, and pink foam. So now we've got another component done!

[Max]

Wow Dave. That really looks fantastic. Better than I expected. It's the front side glass that I am really curious to see how you get it done.

Ya know, Dave- If I didn't KNOW it was made from wood, I would swear that canopy frame was made of metal.

[mwavesdave]

Frame is all 1/8th Baltic birch ply, with a bit of pine at the base where the sliding rails will attach. Front is really simple, we'll simulate the bulletproof glass with an inner and outer layer of Lexan, sides are totally flat, and just a small section at the top, that's curved, but it's simple with the thinner Lexan. The biggest problem with the windscreen is getting to it. We'll have to rig a scaffold, from the main spar to a ladder at the trailing edge, so I can stand and work on it. We'll have to have all our tools and parts ready to go, and hopefully it won't take very long. Need to install the seat as well, just in case I want to sit and contemplate life in a Hurricane!

[mwavesdave]

Some shots of the radiator, nearing completion. Plywood where able, the rest is pink foam, super easy to carve and shape, then glass. Front intake scoop will be cut out once the outside is complete, then interior sanded and detailed. This is the last large piece to go on the project.

[Max]

Sometimes when I go through this thread, "Big Big Plastic Model" pops into my head.

It reminds me of when I built plastic models as a kid. Build a section. Set it aside to dry.....

That rad reminded me of that.

[mwavesdave]

Pretty much! Got all the foam epoxied into the front of the radiator today, and did a bit of shaping. Big safety rounds of the Museum tomorrow, so had to remove all liquids, including latex paint. Yup, paint full of water is somehow a fire hazard, in the eyes of military fire fighters. Hence the 3 days of cleaning. Hopefully tomorrow after work I can make better progress on sanding the foam to shape.

[mwavesdave]

All the foam is now epoxied, and not just on the radiator, all over my hands, hair, lol. At least that parts done, now I just have to sand all that! Pink explosion coming soon. At least I'm well on track to having the radiator done by the weekend. Leaves the windscreen, a belly pan, and some detailing, then my part is done.

[mwavesdave]

Some shots to share, first one the right aileron, with it's leading edge done, and ready for fabric. Next 3 are the radiator, showing the composite use of ply where able, and foam on the corners/rounded edges.

[mwavesdave]

Folks from the local GM dealership were at the museum today, looking at the fuse, before they start work on the exhaust stacks. I've got a Brian Taylor Hurricane plan, blown up to 1/6th scale, so I'll use that to make a full scale set of drawings for them, so they can start cutting steel.

[mwavesdave]

Very productive day today. Got the rudder trim tab sanded, and ready for paint. Then I built both elevator trim tabs, got them sanded, and ready for paint, and, I finished the exterior of the radiator. Leeann came in after work, and got the first coat of paint on all of the above!